Crate Paper

The Sketch Challenge--March 2011 Edition

 

Hi, it's Emily again! Hard to believe, but it's SKETCH time already! With February being a short month, the third Friday of March seemed to creep up on me. This month's sketch gives nod to the banner trend, which, if you know me at all, you might know how I feel about the overage of banners out there. But the Neighborhood Collection has so many cute sticker versions, I had to cave just this once. When you give me that much variation, I can work with a trend! :)

 

Here are the rules of engagement, to refresh your memory:

• You have until midnight (MST) Friday the 25th to work on the sketch. That's one week.
• Projects must use at 50% Crate Paper products, new releases are not required.
• Sketch can be a layout, cards, tags, or other project.
• Scan/Photograph your project and send it to info@cratepaper.com
• Winner will be selected based on quality or invention of work and I'll announce them and share some other entries on Monday the 28th.

I usually try to stick fairly close to the sketch, maybe changing it from a 12x12 to a 8.5 x 11, but this month I went a little off track. I had these pictures of my daughter and couldn't decide on just two, so I figured I'd find a way to add the third. I kept moving things around, trying the title on the picture, I didn't like it. Other designs were trapping white space, so in one of the rearrangings, I took off the large block of paper and really liked what I saw. After some more hemming and hawing, I added the block back, just moving it over so it anchored the pictures. To open up the blocked white space created by the banner, I moved it down just a bit. I know you can see the bones of the sketch, but I hope this goes to prove how very flexible sketches can be. Use what works for you, save the rest for another day.

Here's my version:

As always, I'm excited to see what everyone comes up with this coming week. I hope you can make time to play along!

A Special St. Patrick's Day Giveaway

Christine Middlecamp

How about it, are you wearing green today? If not, then we're guessing you're still seeing lots of green around you since it's officially St.Patrick's Day already! In celebration of the Irish holiday, Crate has conferred with a couple of gold laden leprechaun's about an enticing Crate Paper collection giveaway and they're all for us making available two BRAND NEW collection kits to two "lucky" winners! They're only request is that you present us with your utmost treasured wish and a sacred four leaf clover..ok, we're kidding about the clover, but if you happen to run into one, consider yourself extremely lucky! So that pretty much leaves us with your one treasured wish - tell us which of the Crate collection's you've "wished for" since their grand debut and we'll select two of you to win your chosen collection kit! We'll announce the winner's on March 19th! Good Luck!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

 

Thanks to everyone who joined in for the Retailer & You giveaway.  We have a lot of retailers out there that need some crate, but we are going to change that today for one lucky store. 

And the winners are…..Audrey Yeager and her LSS Scrappn' Savvy in Spring TX.

Audrey's comment:  "I would love to see my NEW LSS, Scrappn' Savvy, in Spring, TX, get some new lines! It is a rather new store, and Karrie is doing a great job getting it going so far! I know these Crate Paper lines will bring a lot more people through the doors!!!"

 

Congratulations Audrey & Scrappn' Savvy!  Please send us your collection of choice and shipping address to info@cratepaper.com. We had a great time with this contest and love helping out Crate fans one store at a time.

Crate DIY :: A Lesson in Geography

 

Hey everyone! Kinsey here with our first ever "DIY" feature! Today, we'll be making a fun, interactive teaching map for the kiddos in your life (or just to hang as décor- because who doesn’t love a fun map right?!)! I chose to do a US map because my little 3rd grader is studying states and capitals right now, but the concept translates to any map - countries, continents…etc.

The Essentials: Corkboard Tile, Pattered Paper {Restoration, Portrait & Toy Box}, Tracing Paper/Transparency/Vellum, Graphite Transfer Paper, Craft Glue, Tape Adhesive, Stick Pins and Scissors.

So let’s get started making the map. For the outline, I referred to the ever so reliable, google search, and found a good US map (grayscale) that was without river labeling (the extra lines, makes it a little tough when it comes to tracing)… I printed the map on plain white copy paper and then with the help of tracing paper, I traced the map so that the outline would be easier to hand-cut when the time comes (I didn’t trace exactly as I left out some of the tiny nooks and crannies).

I wanted my map to be colorful so I opted to use several different patterned papers (using multiple papers means cutting the states individually. You can opt to use just one patterned paper if you prefer, but make sure you have enough of it to complete the project. Trace with a pen/marker.) To transfer each state to a different paper, I used graphite transfer paper…it can be found at just about any craft store and is similar to carbon paper but better because it's erasable! I transferred the outlines onto the reverse side of my papers so that I didn’t have to do any erasing. To do that, put your patterned paper face down so that the backside is facing up and then place the transfer paper on top of it. On top the transfer paper, place the tracing paper map (Face down! The states will be backwards but you’ll be able to see what you’re doing since the tracing paper is transparent). Using a ball point pen, trace the desired states onto your paper and then cut them out.

Once you’ve cut out all of the states (or the entire map), adhere them to a corkboard sheet or tile (you can find these at the craft store as well) using craft glue.

Optional: To add definition and to cover up some of the gaps between the varying states, I used a fine tip paint brush and glossy black paint to outline them. I also pre-pierced holes in each state - roughly where the capitals would be on the map. This ensures that the map doesn’t end up with a bunch of holes following multiple uses and also, so that Brianna can practice her state capitals on the same board.

Making the label ‘flags’: I typed all the states and capitals in a word document. Since the flags will be folded in half to attach them to the pins, I made sure to space the labels about 4 inches apart. I printed the labels onto plain white cardstock and then cut into strips (about 4 inches x ½inch).

I constructed the pin ‘flags’ using straight pins with flat heads (see photo below). Fold each label in half, add some tape adhesive and wrap the flag around the pin head. Since I used different patterned papers for my map, I also punched coordinating circles and adhered those to the backside of each flag- the color on the back acts as a hint to help Brianna figure out the states that might stump her :)

I finished this one up just as my little one was getting home from school and it’s a major hit! She’s been ‘playing’ with it all evening…love that!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today! Before I sign off…Pop quiz: what’s the capital of Arkansas? Hehehe! Hope you enjoyed today’s DIY and maybe even picked up an idea or two along the way! ~ Kinsey

Hi CP fans,  it’s Lisa from Crate Paper here with you today and I couldn’t think of a better way to share my Tuesday.  Thanks for having me CP girls!  We have had a busy month at Crate Paper mostly because so many of you have supported our last product release and yes we are feeling the love from all over the world. Thank you for all your kind emails and beautiful projects and layouts that you share with us daily.  The longer we are in the scrapbooking industry the more I realize that scrapbooking and crafting is not just all about preserving memories but it's about sharing your creative talent. When I design product or work with one of our talented designers on their CP products I love the process and the opportunity to be creative, but it's not until I get a chance to see you use it in your life and share it with us do I truly love it!  Thanks for bringing a story and a life to our product….Thank you for sharing your Creative Talents!

My favorite projects come from my Mom or (“Mama Crate” since starting Crate Paper was her idea). Back in the day she use to come to CHA’s with us but she did more bragging then selling, like a good Mom does.  I wanted to share some of  her adorable cards today with you because seeing her projects is what scrapbooking is all about.  She creates a “ton” of cards and always gives them away.  In my family you always receive a birthday or thank you note that was created by her.  None of us (I’m the youngest of four girls) has had to make a card for years. Below are some of her adorable Emma's Shoppe cards and especially her flowers...your gonna love em.  Thanks to all the Moms out there who create and share.

 

 

 

 

 

How cute is my Mom? I know..super cute!

The next project I want to share with you today is the coolest thing I have seen this year. It's of course my son’s Valentines Day box. Out of all the collections we released this Spring, Toy Box is my favorite and Taylor really shows it off well.  He is in first grade and he did an amazing job! (Mom Glued the base paper down and Dad cut out some “cool camo fringe” and the rest Taylor did all by himself.  (really nothing is sweeter to a Mom than a cut-out cameo heart).

 

Thank for stopping in today. I had a great time sharing some of my familys creative talents. I'll be back in April, until then I hope you all continue to create and share.

 

March Crate Color Challenge Winner

 Hi everyone!! You guys have kept me busy this week! My inbox was filled with the most gorgeous entries for the Crate Color Challenge!!

44, yes...44 Crate fans sent in projects.....I was completely blown away by the creativity and beautiful creations! It was so difficult to pick my faves, much less a winner. Seriously....they were that good....as you can see below.

 

I chose this incredible layout by Jennifer Chapin as this month's winner! Congrats, Jennifer! Her use of the palette was a perfect balance of color and I loved her design and placement of elements.

 

And more than a few others caught my eye.....but I had to restrain myself. Like this beauty from Amber Osborn:

There were many talented card makers, too......like this one by Jody Rogers.

 

Marie-Josee Hamel created this layout of sweet innocence:

 

I adore this cute tea time layout by Julie Tucker-Wolchek:

 

LG Belarmino has such a wonderful style as demonstrated in her layout:

 

This is a fabulous use of white space in this layout by Tina Fussell:

 

I really could go on and on but I have to leave you with this elegant layout by Carolyn Cease:

 

Thank you all so much for sharing your talent with us and playing along with the March Color Challenge! See you soon! 

Weekend Designer Showcase

Welcome to another one of Crate's brand new feature posts, Weekend Designer Showcase! From this point forward, we're dedicating "Saturdays" to our Crate Paper Girls and their latest creative endeavors!! Remarkably, our designers are turning over projects on almost a daily basis and we really want you guys to be able to see them up-close and personal in a sort of fun, relaxed fashion. That being said, the presentation will be easy to follow as the projects will be forefront and center, always! Let's move forward, shall we? We've an entire line-up of engaging works to acquaint you with, including this perfectly cute polka-dot layout from Jaime Warren...

 Jaime Warren

 

Sarah Martina

 

Jen Chesnick

 

Lucy Edson

 

Mou Saha

 

Larissa Albernaz

Amy Heller

This officiates Crate's first weekend "Designer Showcase"! Wishing all of you a wonderful, leisurely weekend - do enjoy it!

 

A Fresh Take on Flowers w/Michelle Lanning

Hi there, Michelle Lanning here to share with you a layout with the Neighborhood Collection. There are so many possibilities with this line and I'm excited to explore them with you today as we're going to expand upon flower making using one of Neighborhood's patterned papers! 

I recently created this lovely layout around a fun, beautiful photo of my daughter that I captured not too long ago. It'll be the basis of today's tutorial!

So, I'm going to show you how to create the fun little octagon flowers that were inspired by my favorite piece of patterned paper from Neighborhood called "Friendly". When I saw this piece of paper, I instantly desired to cut it apart and create something from it! Here's how I went about making the flowers...

 

Hand-trimmed an entire strip of octagon's from Neighborhood's "Friendly" patterned paper.

 

 Select two different color octagons from the strip. In doing this, consider how the colors will play against each other as they'll sit side-by-side within the design of the flower.

 

To begin with, create the petals by cutting small slits to the center point of the octagon. When you're done, it'll look something like this.

 

Do the same for the second octagon, but this time, after you've trimmed all of the small slits, remove every other section so that it has a total of four openings. This will be the top portion of the flower.

 

You should now have two layers ready to go! 

 

Bend the petals of the first flower forward for added dimension and to create a "flower-friendly" feel.

 

Apply a three-dimensional square to the full petaled flower - Front & Center.

 

Then place the remaining four-petal flower on top the square - note the placement of the petals when doing this so that they line up correctly. 

 

Embellish with a button of your choice! From this point, feel free to make as many flowers as you choose - I went a lil' crazy and made quite a few! Hopefully, I've inspired you to do the same and then some!

Hi there everyone! It's Amy here today, and I'm thrilled to be bringing you the first installment of Crate's NEW blog feature: Crate Paper Product 5 Ways! Each month, one of our fabulous CP Girls will bring you inspiring ideas on using a singular Crate Paper product in 5 wonderfully creative ways, inspiring you to use your products to it's fullest potential! Today I wanted to feature my favorite new item from Crate Paper: Accent Cuts

What are Accents Cuts, you may ask? Well, they're one of the newest collective additions to Crate Papers' recent Winter introductions for 2011. I, for one, am in LOVE with these 12" x 12" sheets. Each of the four new collections has it's own sheet that includes 12-13 double sided "cards" (that makes 24-26 total) that, in my opinion are individual pieces of art! Most are the size of an ATC and are absolutely FULL of possibilities!

Neighborhood

Portrait

 

Emma's Shoppe

 

Toy Box

 

Journaling - This is probably the most obvious use for most of these cards. One way to mix it up though is to print directly onto the card. I do this my scanning my card. Printing the scan out on my printer. Then in my computer program (I used Adobe Illustrator CS5, but you can use your photo editing program or even Word for this) to type your journaling over your scanned image. Once it's sized how you like it, using double stick REMOVABLE tape, tape down your accent cut facing up directly onto your printed scan. Place your paper back into your printer (make sure you know which direction it needs to be fed) then print. Perfectly journaled accent cut!

(Products used are from the Neighborhood and Portrait Collection)

 

Customized Photo Frame - Many of the accent cuts have darling frames illustrated on them already. The one I used, even has a prompt that I thought would be perfect for an inset photo frame. Simply, with a very sharp craft cutting blade, cut out the interior of the frame you want to use and adhere your photo on the back side of the Accent Cut. To make it easy on yourself, leave a bit of a "border" on the interior of the frame without getting too close to the line. This adds an additional bit of "pop" to your image and also saves you from the frustration of getting it "perfect".

(Products used are from the Neighborhood Collection)

Centerpiece of a Framed Embellishment - So many of the Accent Cuts have simply gorgeous images on them. And there are dozens of frame options in the Crate Paper chipboard products. Why not create your own work of art by putting one of these petite images on center stage as an embellishment? Here I've chosen this beautiful floral illustration from one of the journaling accent cuts from the Emma's Shoppe Collection. Now this floral arrangement is front and center ready to draw the eye in on a layout or card.

(Products used are from the Emma's Shoppe Collection, Frame is from the Portrait Collection)

Centerpiece and Sentiment for a Greeting Card - Not all of the Accent Cuts are meant for journaling only. Many have large sentiments on them, perfect for using on a card or layout. Here I took my Accent Cut from the Portrait Collection and stitched around the perimeter with my sewing machine. Then I used a fine tipped glue pen and drew directly over the sentiment. Then I adhered black glitter onto the glue. Once dry, I brushed away the excess glitter with a soft fan brush, leaving a lovely more formal look to my card. Adding just a couple of extra steps to your Accent Cut can really draw attention to the sentiment, which is the real purpose of a greeting card.

(Products used are from the Portrait Collection)

 

Micro-Mini Album - I think Accent Cuts are the PERFECT solution to make a quick, easy and really adorable micro-mini album. I'm going to keep mine in my car, but these types of albums are great for your purse, a brag book for the grandparents, at your office, or where ever keeping a full size album simply isn't realistic. All the cards are 4" high and vary in 3 different, widths with most being 4" tall x 3" wide, the perfect ATC size. Plus, they are double sided so there's no need for coming up with layouts for each side, simply embellish and go!

For the mini that I made, shown here, I used 7 Accent Cuts all from the Emma's Shoppe Collection. On some of the "pages", I adhered photos of my daughter on one side of the card and embellished or journaled on the other. 

Here you can see how the cards work perfectly in this format. In the coming days I will be showing my entire mini over at my blog, so I hope you'll join me for that. For now, I hope I was able to provide you with some fun and new ideas on how to use these fabulous new Accent Cuts in your daily paper crafting. I know for me they are a new FAVORITE!! Thank-you so much for stopping by today!! Have a wonderful Day!

Personalized Purse Accessories w/Jen Chesnick

Hello CP fans! Jen Chesnick here today with a quick and simple tutorial for you! I have quite a few charms and large metal labels on hand right now and I'm always at a loss as to what to use them for outside of putting them on layouts. So I took some inspiration from a friend of mine who makes domino necklaces in the same sort of fashion as I am about to show you and made myself some zipper pulls for my purse! Let’s get started!

The Essentials: Emma's Shoppe patterned paper, Ribbon, Stickers, Glossy Accents {Clear Drying Dimensional Adhesive} and Label Charms or Jewelry Settings. 

 

With the charms, comes a handy template (whew!). I cut my pattern paper down to size with the help of the template {you could measure it as well! Not to difficult..} and then attached the trimmed piece of paper to the metal setting using Glossy Accents.

 

Then layering some of Emma's Shoppe super cute coordinating stickers, dress up your piece 'til you're happy with it. I've a serious love of adding dimension when working on my projects, but for this one we're going to stick with something a little understated minus the depth. 

This doesn't go to say you can't layer it on - you certainly can, just be prepared of how it might appear with a coating a dimensional adhesive on top of it. You might even need to apply a little more adhesive to cover things up if you decide to go with more embellishments on your piece. 

 

Once you are happy with your design, apply a thick coat of Glossy Accents over the top. Be mindful not to rub the Glossy Accents like you would glue as you want a coating almost like frosting - keep it smooth! To eliminate air bubbles when using Glossy Accents, I suggest storing the bottle upside down as this will cause all the air bubbles to rise to the top and keep them off your project. If a couple bubbles "pop" up during the application process, rid them with a pin.

Once you are satisfied with the coating amount, leave your charm to dry for several hours. I left mine overnight to ensure a good dry time and no smudging. After my pendents sat the night, I tied them onto the zippers of my bag! How cute!

A perfect "purse accent", don't you think? Super easy to create too - love that! Well, thank-you for keeping us company today! I'll see you guys next month!